Erik Thomas

Erik M. Thomas, age 46 of Stanton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Health Butterworth campus in Grand Rapids.

Erik was a great husband, son, brother and friend; and the best daddy a girl could wish for. Erik’s physical heart was weak, but the love from his heart was strong. Despite all of his health issues, he rarely complained about any of it. He worked extremely hard to get on the active heart transplant list and overcame many obstacles. Erik was a very giving person throughout his life helping friends and family whenever they needed it. That spirit of giving continued even through his death, as Erik was able to donate several of his organs to help save the lives of complete strangers and for that, Erik’s family is extremely grateful. His family asks you honor Erik by taking a few minutes to sign yourself up to be a gift of life donor.

Erik was born in Sheridan on April 23, 1971, the son of Chuck & Kay Thomas. Erik is preceded in death by his dad and grandparents, Clyde & June Cole and Ernest & Bernice Thomas.

Erik loved to golf and spent many years working as a golf pro. He was a big sports fan, especially U of M athletics, the Detroit Tigers and Lions. Erik also enjoyed throwing darts, loved being around people, was a member of the Stanton American Legion and he was a bar manager at the Brickyard in Stanton for many years. However, his biggest love was that of his family. On April 30, 2005 Erik married Mary Vestergaard and they created many wonderful memories together. Erik loved being a dad and could often be found throwing the ball around with his daughter Erika, playing basketball with her and going to her various activities.

Surviving Erik is his mom, Kay Thomas of Stanton his wife, Mary ; daughters, Erika Thomas of Stanton; Rachael (Ryan) Kanitz of Canadian Lakes; sister, Stacey Thomas of Houston, Texas; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas & Kay Vestergaard of Six Lakes; sister-in-law, Kristen Millard of Stanton; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Jama) Vestergaard Jr. of Auburn, Indiana, Brian (Janet) Vestergaard of Howell; aunts and uncles, Keith & Jean Hallock of Ithaca and Bob & Sue Cole of Six Lakes; his dog, Moose Miggy Thomas; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loyal customers.

Visitation with Erik’s family will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Funeral services celebrating Erik’s life will be on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, beginning at 11 AM at the Stanton First Congregational Church with Pastor Jamey Nichols officiating.

For those wanting to make a memorial donation in Erik’s memory the family suggests donations be directed to the Stanton First Congregational Church or the Spectrum Health Foundation for the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

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